Code 571 means the IRS is still processing your return

Code 571 appears on your IRS transcript when the agency has received your return but has not yet finished reviewing it for accuracy. It is a processing status, not a payment status. Your refund will not arrive until the IRS moves past this code to a later stage — usually code 846, which means the refund has been approved and sent to you.

The time between code 571 and receiving your money depends on whether the IRS needs to examine your return more closely. A straightforward return with no red flags typically moves through code 571 in two to four weeks. Returns flagged for review, missing documents, or math errors can stay at code 571 for six weeks or longer.

You can check your code status on the IRS website using the Where's My Refund tool, which updates once per day. The tool shows your current code and an estimated delivery date if one has been assigned. If you see code 571 and no delivery date yet, the IRS is still working through your return.

Key Takeaways

  • Code 571 means your return is received and being processed, not that your refund is on the way.
  • Most returns move past code 571 within two to four weeks if there are no issues.
  • The Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov updates daily and shows your current code and estimated delivery date.
  • If your return is flagged for review or missing documents, code 571 can last six weeks or longer.
  • Code 846 is the signal that your refund has been approved and is being sent to you.

Why your return stays at code 571

The IRS processes millions of returns each year, and code 571 is the holding pattern while the agency's computers scan your return for errors, inconsistencies, or items that need human review. If your return is straightforward — W-2 income, standard deduction, no dependents claimed, no credits — the IRS can move you through code 571 quickly.

Your return may stay at code 571 longer if you claimed certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, because the IRS verifies these more carefully. Returns with self-employment income, rental income, or business losses also take longer. If you reported a loss or claimed a credit the IRS wants to double-check, expect code 571 to last four to eight weeks.

Missing or mismatched information also extends code 571. If your Social Security number does not match IRS records, your spouse's name is spelled differently than on their Social Security card, or you reported income the IRS has not yet received from your employer or bank, the return stays in processing while the IRS resolves the mismatch.

How to check your code 571 status

Go to IRS.gov and use the Where's My Refund tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool shows your current code and, if the IRS has assigned one, your expected delivery date.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information. If you see code 571 with no delivery date, the IRS is still working. If you see code 571 with a delivery date, that date is when you should expect your money to arrive — either by direct deposit or check, depending on how you filed.

You can also view your IRS transcript directly, which shows all codes and dates in order. Go to IRS.gov, select "Get Transcript," and choose either the account transcript or the tax return transcript. The account transcript shows processing codes; the tax return transcript shows what was filed. Both are free.

Timeline from code 571 to code 846

Code 846 is the final processing code — it means your refund has been approved and the IRS has sent it to your bank or the U.S. Postal Service. Once you see code 846, your refund is on the way.

If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within one to three business days after code 846 appears. If you chose a check, allow five to seven business days for the Postal Service to deliver it. Some returns skip intermediate codes and move directly from 571 to 846, while others show additional codes like 570 (return received and held for review) or 573 (return being examined).

The full timeline from filing to code 846 varies widely. A clean return filed early in the tax season may move from code 571 to 846 in three weeks. A return filed in April with complications may take eight to twelve weeks. The IRS publishes average processing times on its website, but individual returns can be faster or slower.

What to do if code 571 takes longer than expected

If your return has been at code 571 for more than eight weeks and you see no delivery date, contact the IRS. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main refund line) and have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is being reviewed, whether documents are missing, or whether there is a mismatch that needs correction.

If the IRS tells you documents are missing, ask which ones and where to send them. Some returns require you to mail additional paperwork; others can be resolved by phone. If there is a name or Social Security number mismatch, the IRS will walk you through correcting it.

If you filed by mail and the IRS has no record of receiving your return, you may need to file again or request a trace. If you filed electronically and the IRS received it but processing is delayed, the IRS can sometimes expedite the review if there is a genuine hardship — though this is rare and not may provide.

Code 571 versus other processing codes

The IRS uses several codes to show where your return stands. Code 570 means your return was received and is being held for review before processing begins — it is earlier than 571. Code 573 means the return is being examined by an IRS employee, usually because of a specific issue. Code 580 means the return is being held because of a math error or missing information.

Code 846 is the one you want to see — it means your refund has been approved and sent. Code 971 means the IRS is sending you a notice about your return, usually asking for more information or explaining a change. If you see code 971, check your mail for the notice and respond by the deadline on it.

Some returns show multiple codes in sequence as they move through different stages. Others show only 571 and then jump to 846. The codes are not always visible in the Where's My Refund tool — the tool may show only your current status and delivery date without listing every code your return passed through.

Direct deposit versus check delivery after code 846

Once code 846 appears, your refund method depends on how you filed. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the IRS sends the money electronically to your bank account. This usually takes one to three business days. If you chose a check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return, and delivery takes five to seven business days through the Postal Service.

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than a check. If you filed by mail and did not provide banking information, the IRS will mail a check. If you filed electronically and provided your bank account number, the IRS will deposit directly — even if you also requested a check, the IRS prioritizes direct deposit.

If you see code 846 but your money has not arrived after the expected timeframe, contact your bank to confirm the deposit went through. If your bank shows no deposit, contact the IRS to verify the account number they have on file. If the IRS mailed a check and you have not received it after two weeks, you can request a trace or ask the IRS to reissue the refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my refund before code 846 appears?

No. Code 846 is the signal that the IRS has approved your refund and sent it. Until you see code 846, the money has not been released. Code 571 means processing is still underway, and the IRS will not send your refund until the return is complete.

Does code 571 mean I made a mistake on my return?

Not necessarily. Code 571 is a routine processing status that appears on most returns. It does not mean the IRS found an error — it means the return is in the queue being reviewed. Most returns at code 571 are approved without changes.

Why does the Where's My Refund tool say code 571 but no delivery date?

The IRS has not yet assigned a delivery date because processing is not complete. Once the return moves closer to approval, a date will appear. Check back in a few days. If code 571 persists for more than eight weeks with no date, contact the IRS to ask whether your return needs additional review.

If I see code 571 on my transcript, should I file an amended return?

No. Filing an amended return while your original is still at code 571 can delay processing further and create confusion. Wait until your original return is fully processed (code 846) before filing an amendment if you need to make changes.

What if code 571 changes to code 573?

Code 573 means an IRS employee is now examining your return in detail, usually because of a specific item that needs verification. This takes longer than routine processing — expect four to eight weeks. The IRS will send you a notice if they need documents or information from you.